Of Ants and Aphids - (enlarge)

You are very kind Pierre in your critique. Thankyou for your visit and input. Luckily for me I did not have to buy the lens or I would never have it. I have a cousin who a few years ago won a contest, hoping to win a Computer Package (he is really big into computers, had his own business fixing, tuneups etc.).

Unfortunately for him, he won a Canon Camera with Lenses, luckily for me we had many Limited Edition Printes from our Art Gallery days. He offered to sell it to me, but I could not afford such a luxury. But the idea came to me, perhaps he'd trade for a few Prints - luckily for me, that seemed a good deal. The prints were worth quite a bit but no good to us 'just storing them' till the market was right to sell.

So I finally got started with a Camera that had lenses that could be interchanged, and he had some beautiful wildlife prints to hang upon his wall. If it weren't for that, I would not be posting here today at all!

If I win a 'lottery' (fat chance), and if you were allowed to be sent a gift, YOU  would be the first one I would GIVE this LENS to!!!! I can imagine the enjoyment you would have just using it, and of course, you could use it better than I as you know so much more about all the tecnicalities!!!!

Warm regards Pierre, and thankyou for your visit!!!! Most sincerely, Gail

Hi Gail,

Thanks for the ant education.  My, but the antics of ants is quite uncivil.  Keeping aphid slaves to do antly work could track back to the pharaoh in Egypt.  I suggest you look at the Robert Frost poem, "Departmental."  It is the tale of Jerry McCormic, an ant who got himself killed and whose funeral is conducted in the language and chemistry  Formic.  You'll enjoy it, and it may embellish your antics. Gail, about the image, I hold with those who have already said that f/5.6 was an excellent aperture in this case.  I believe it got you almost all of the ant in focus.  The light, color, and detail of the whiskers on the rear segment are phenomenal.  Perhaps Joe here needs a shave.  I see Joe looking at me, much in command.  The background, bokeh, is also excellent.  To me though, the most marvelous thing about this image is that you had the vision to see Joe in action, and you deemed him camera worthy.  I think the ISO 800 may be responsible for capturing such a sharp image with a macro lens hand held.  Great job. Gail.  It is always wonderful to visit your images.  I hope 2012 is a good year for you and yours.  Larry

Many thanks for your visit, and of course the time you spend sharing your thoughts on this image. Others opinions always help.

Kindest regards, Gail

I read the Robert Frost Poem and it is quite interesting. As if the Ant is a most 'down to earth' and practical supervisor of 'his' time. Perhaps that comes from their inbred 'genetics'. The 'worker' that he will always be and perhaps never 'fall' far from the tree. They have a PURPOSE and a MISSION and they are determined to fulfill their duties.

When I observe ants I find them very fascinating, how hard they work and how persistant they are, especially at the 'frenetic' pace they keep. 'Driven' as it were.

Your observations about this image are truly appreciated. Your commentary truly helps my 'thought process' and of course it is an 'ongoing' process. To be able to capture theyse small creatures who move so quickly! in action is nothing short of amazing to me. To click that shutter button and hope the information is written to the 'memory card' quickly enough is always a 'challenging hope' . This time I might have lucked out. My other images are not of such clear quality.

But I continue to try.......and try..........and try.......determined to learn the proper way to do MACRO  work. I don't think I could always have a tripod ready, and it would encumber me from darting from branch to branch or petal to petal trying to capture these 'speedy' little creatures.

Many thanks for your visit and encouragement, truly appreciated!

Warmest regards, Gail

many thanks for dropping by Frank, and for sharing your feelings about this image. I truly am grateful.

Kindest regards, Gail

My deepest thanks for your input on this image. You always encourage and inspire, and that is what I need most.

Warmest regards, Gail

Lovely macro shot! Excellent camera work.

Many thanks for your input and encouragement!

with much appreciation, Gail

Wonderful macro, Gail...lovely colors and dof... the ant in a contrst color moves along the diagonal and creates speed...my best

So nice to see your lovely compliment Kallol. A surprise, I am sorry I did not see it sooner.

many thanks for your visit, Gail

Nice macro work Gail, well done.

Good Shepherd! Wonderful color. I like the soft green background.

Yes this ant sure is a 'Good Shepherd'. He is at work 'colonizing' them already!!! Glad you enjoyed this composition Andrew.

I'm very sorry I did not see this kind comment much sooner. I appreciate your visit very much Tony.